What’s Up, Wake

What does the way you speak reveal about who you are?In this fascinating episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Walt Wolfram, the William C. Friday Distinguished University Professor at NC State University and one of America's foremost experts on dialects and sociolinguistics. Together, they explore the rich history behind North Carolina's accents, the stories they preserve, and why language is one of our state's greatest cultural treasures. From the famous Outer Banks "Hoi Toider" brogue to Appalachian English, African American English, Cherokee, and the rise of "y'all" across America, Dr. Wolfram explains how geography, history, immigration, and culture shaped the way North Carolinians speak.The conversation also explores disappearing dialects, the preservation of the Cherokee language, the surprising origin of the word "dingbatter," why outsiders judge Southern accents, and why every person's voice tells a unique story.Whether you're a lifelong North Carolinian, a history enthusiast, or simply fascinated by language, this episode will change the way you hear the people around you.02:00 – Introducing Dr. Walt Wolfram04:00 – How growing up in a German immigrant family shaped his life's work07:00 – Why every person's story matters09:00 – The unique dialects of Ocracoke and the Outer Banks11:00 – Is the Outer Banks accent really Elizabethan English?12:00 – The surprising origin of the word "dingbatter"13:00 – Inside Talkin' Tar Heel and documenting North Carolina speech14:00 – Hearing the famous "Hoi Toider" accent15:00 – Harkers Island and North Carolina's coastal dialects18:00 – Why North Carolina has more dialect diversity than any other state23:00 – Why Southern accents should be celebrated24:00 – Saving the Cherokee language before it's lost29:00 – Why accents create stereotypes30:00 – The history of "y'all" and why it's spreading across America31:00 – Favorite stories from decades of field research33:00 – Giving back to the communities that preserve language35:00 – The story behind "North Cackalacky"36:00 – Can your accent reveal where you're from?38:00 – Dr. Wolfram's retirement and continuing his life's work

How Shibumi Shade Became North Carolina’s Unofficial Beach Flag | 10 Years of a Homegrown IdeaAhead of the July 4th beach rush, the episode features Dane Barnes, co-founder of Shibumi Shade, reflecting on the company’s 10-year rise from a DIY, wind-powered shade prototype made from hardware-store materials to a common sight on North Carolina beaches. Barnes explains how he, his brother Scott, and friend Alex—without sewing or product experience—built early shades for their own family trips to Emerald Isle, began taking orders in 2016, and later grew into a Raleigh-based business with defined roles across sales, operations, and marketing. He shares the meaning of “Shibumi,” discusses the Quiet Canopy and the shift from local manufacturing to overseas production, clarifies misconceptions about beach bans, and highlights new products including the Shibumi Chair and the Park Vista shade for grass.00:00 Sponsor Messages01:44 July 4 Beach Setup02:53 Origin Story Prototype05:13 From Hobby to Orders06:15 Meaning of Shibumi06:55 How the Shade Works08:09 Founders and Roles09:51 Manufacturing and Quiet Canopy10:44 Beach Bans Explained14:26 Becoming a Must-Have15:23 New Colors and Editions17:05 Why Raleigh Base18:07 Lessons in Entrepreneurship19:54 New Products Park and Chair23:06 What's Next and Brand Magic24:50 Lightning Round Favorites26:59 Where to Buy Closing

In this episode, local storyteller, historian, and author Heather Leah shares how she began writing online more than a decade ago, grew a large following by blending deep research with engaging “hidden history,” and why preserving local stories matters as places vanish. She discusses mysteries like the Village Subway beneath Cameron Village, underwater communities beneath Jordan Lake such as Seaforth, and how towns can be erased from maps and memory. Heather explains balancing fun, shocking history with heavier subjects, her approach to ghost stories as cultural history, and why the Dorothea Dix property feels especially haunted. She also describes her research process, how followers contribute leads, and how she turned her work into her first book, “Lost Towns of North Carolina,” built through travel, photos, and interviews with people connected to lost communities.00:00 Meet Heather Leah03:15 How It All Started04:56 From Community to History06:21 Vanishing Places09:03 Jordan Lake Ghost Towns13:00 Towns Wiped Off Maps14:00 Balancing Light and Heavy16:29 Ghost Stories as Culture18:18 Dorothy Dix Haunted History20:11 Crybaby Lane Investigation21:49 Paranormal Tours24:13 Story Idea System25:15 Follower Submitted History27:50 From Posts to Book31:37 Researching Lost Towns35:19 Book Launch Emotions37:47 Time Travel Raleigh40:41 Where to Find Heather41:35 Final Thanks

Melissa interviews Amber Moshakos of family-owned LM Restaurants, the group behind concepts including Carolina Ale House, Taverna Agora, Birdie’s Ballroom, Vidrio, Oceanic/Bluewater in Wrightsville Beach, and SMASH on Glenwood South. Amber shares her parents’ immigrant story, how LM began as a 48-seat Florida oyster bar, and why the family moved to Raleigh after expanding Miami Subs. She discusses growing up in the business, choosing restaurants over medical school, and the pros and cons of working with family. The conversation covers Raleigh as an emerging, diverse dining market, current industry challenges like thin margins and rising credit card fees, what makes restaurants successful, and why experience-driven venues are growing. Amber also mentions favorite menu items, spots she wants to try, and upcoming LM projects in Florida and brand updates in Raleigh.00:00 Meet Amber Moshakos 02:42 Family Origins and First Restaurant04:58 Greek Roots Behind Taverna Agora05:49 Moving to Raleigh and Early Growth07:16 Choosing Restaurants Over Medicine07:58 Making Family Business Work09:20 LM Expansion and Florida Return12:00 Raleigh Food Scene Evolution17:13 Industry Challenges and Credit Fees19:24 Sales Tax Relief Push20:11 Restaurant Success Formula20:58 Experience Dining Trend22:33 Glenwood South Safety Plan24:44 Advice for New Restaurateurs26:43 Favorite Dishes Rundown28:04 Non-LM Date Night Picks29:51 What’s Next for LM31:36 Hiring and Career Myths32:55 Closing Thanks and Wrap

Bryden McCormick, a Fuquay-Varina dentist and owner of Fuquay Family Dentistry, shares how he went from economics and banking to dentistry, then to creating McWally’s after seeing the town’s need for a family entertainment spot. He explains the years-long process from concept to opening on August 20, 2025, including feasibility studies, working with family entertainment consultants, covid-driven cost increases that doubled the project to $20 million, and securing SBA financing through a small Wisconsin bank. With events and marketing manager Emily Jones, he highlights McWally’s bowling, arcade, food, bar, outdoor patio, and 5,000-square-foot laser tag arena, plus the challenges of managing a large teen staff, heavy party volume, and plans for a potential second location.00:00 Dentist Meets Fun02:50 Why Dentistry Chose Him04:11 Landing in Fuquay-Varina05:02 The McWally's Idea06:08 Covid Costs and Investors07:43 Naming McWally's08:44 Balancing Two Businesses09:41 Financing Hurdles11:01 Emily Runs Events Marketing12:26 Laser Tag and Murals16:03 Community Reaction and Vision18:34 Running Day to Day19:26 Leadership Behind Scenes20:17 Juggling Parties21:08 Bright Open Vibe23:29 Favorite Activities24:27 Advice for New Owners26:45 Dream Add-Ons27:32 Second Location Plans28:25 Surviving Weekend Rush28:55 Year Two Excitement30:01 Follow and Book Parties30:26 Closing Thanks

Lauren Kennedy Brady, a Raleigh native and Broadway performer, shares how early community theater and mentors led her to a BFA at the University of Cincinnati and a Broadway debut in Sunset Boulevard through an agent connection, while describing the instability and rejection of acting careers. She explains her unexpected transition back to Raleigh after her father helped establish the Kennedy Theatre and a small summer season evolved into Theatre Raleigh, which she grew for 16–17 years into the area’s only professional theater, distinguished by paying artists under an Actors’ Equity agreement. Lauren discusses challenges that contributed to North Carolina Theatre’s closure, Theatre Raleigh’s intimate, affordable, immersive approach, its industrial-park location, and recent expansion including the Green Room coffee shop and a merger with Raleigh ACT serving 450 students. She previews upcoming productions including Dear Evan Hansen, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, and a holiday play plus a New Year’s Eve event.00:00 Meet Lauren Kennedy Brady02:44 Raleigh Roots in Theater04:14 Breaking Into Broadway05:50 Rejection and Staying Ready07:35 From Actor to Producer09:53 Returning Home to Raleigh13:12 Broadway Backstage Reality14:19 Raleigh Theater Scene Today16:49 Theater Raleigh Location Vibe18:21 Education Program and Raleigh Act20:03 What Makes a Pro Theater21:11 Equity Contract Explained23:16 Why NC Theatre Closed24:48 Tours vs Regional Theatre25:48 Small Space Sustainability27:01 Picking Shows for Raleigh28:28 Cozy Immersive Experience29:44 A Day in the Office31:24 Coffee Shop and Education Hub32:04 Staying Creative as a Producer33:32 Dream Shows and Big Goals34:54 Upcoming Season Highlights36:33 Tickets and Final Thanks

Melissa talks with Whitney Miller, vice president of The Invictus Project, about combating the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in North Carolina through partnerships with law enforcement, including four sheriff’s offices, the State Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. Whitney explains how technology and covid-era shifts drove cyber tips from about 4,000 in 2019 to 52,000 last year, shares warning signs for parents, and emphasizes proactive conversations at home. Michael Phillips of Phillips Farm returns to discuss hosting a fundraising event for Invictus: the C10s Tailgate Party on June 6, featuring classic Chevy trucks (1998 and older), vendors, food trucks, live music, kid activities, and Invictus resources, with truck registration at c10stailgateparty.com and more information at invictusproject.org.00:00 Crisis and Guests02:30 Invictus Mission03:58 Tech Shift Since Covid07:40 Task Force Partnership08:33 Funding and Tools Gap13:16 Parent Conversations15:37 Warning Signs and Access19:34 Michael’s Dad Tactics21:27 Kids Online Fame Risks21:50 Handling Online Attention22:31 Farm Life Boundaries23:05 Safety Talks and Code Words24:18 Why Support Invictus27:55 Truck Show Details30:56 Family Fun at Event33:27 Why C10s Only36:58 Summer Festivals Preview38:46 Invictus Links and Wrap

Melissa interviews Michael Villafana, general manager of the Holly Springs Salamanders, about his path from sport management and marketing at Seton Hall to baseball roles in St. Paul and Worcester before moving to North Carolina and joining the Salamanders at Ting Park.  Michael explains the team’s summer-league model using college players from across the US, the vital host-family program, and his day-to-day focus on sponsorships, ticketing, and marketing within a small staff. They discuss making history with the Coastal Plain League’s first female player, catcher Alexa George, and how the organization builds fan connections through autographs, promotions, and player interaction. Michael shares career advice, the team’s refreshed brand identity, and what to expect at games — free parking, shaded seating, wide concourse, playground, and concessions — with tickets and schedules at salamandersbaseball.com.00:00 Welcome to the Ballpark01:33 Michael’s Baseball Journey02:55 How Summer League Works03:49 Recruiting Talent Nationwide04:30 Host Family Program06:51 GM Duties Behind the Scenes09:34 Making League History11:32 Building Fan Connections13:26 Funniest On-Field Moment15:06 What Makes a Great Player15:27 Players Meet Fans15:54 Entertainment Like Bananas16:42 Career Advice Sports Jobs18:44 Creating Memorable Moments19:25 Team Vision and Rebrand20:35 Ballpark Lightning Round22:46 Tickets and Social Links23:34 Bonus Fan Experience Tips24:33 Family Friendly Ballpark Perks26:52 Wrap Up for All Ages

In this summer skincare episode, the host Melissa talks with dermatologist Dr. Thomas Knackstedt about keeping skin healthy without overcomplicating routines, emphasizing a simple cleanser–moisturizer–sunscreen approach and the importance of consistency, sleep, diet, hydration, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol. They discuss cosmetic options for aging, including Botox for expression lines, fillers for volume loss, and alternatives like microneedling and lasers to stimulate collagen, plus approaches to puffy under-eyes such as lymphatic massage and topical retinoids. Dr. Thomas Knackstedt warns that long multi-step teen routines can cause irritation and confusion about triggers. The conversation covers skin cancer risk factors, self-exams using ABCDE for melanoma, non-healing sores for basal/squamous cell cancers, and the need for timely dermatology access. A sunscreen roundup recommends SPF 30, applying last, reapplying about every two hours (especially with water/sweat), cautions about spray use and chemical sunscreens for kids, rejects “base tans,” and offers sunburn care tips like aloe, cool wraps, and staying out of the sun.00:00 Summer Skincare Kickoff01:25 Why Dermatology03:02 Simple Routine Basics04:11 Spots and Skin Cancer Ethics05:38 Skin Reflects Health06:56 Lifestyle Habits Matter08:27 Drugstore vs Luxury Products10:37 Botox Basics Explained14:26 Safety and Right Reasons17:15 Fillers and Collagen Options19:58 Microneedling and Lasers21:03 Personal Concerns Puffy Eyes21:30 Puffy Eyes Explained22:27 Treatments and Realistic Results23:51 Teen Skincare Routine Risks25:54 Skin Cancer Screening Basics28:23 Warning Signs to Check30:11 Access to Dermatology Care31:51 Sunscreen SPF and Layering33:16 Reapply and Water Resistance34:04 Sprays vs Physical Sunscreens35:43 Sunscreen Myths and Base Tan38:24 Sunburn Aftercare and Wrap Up

The episode features an interview with New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey, celebrating the release of her 13th novel, Summer State of Mind. Harvey discusses studying journalism at UNC, pivoting through a finance sales job that built resilience, and breaking into publishing after writing multiple manuscripts, signing with an agent, and winning a contest judged by a Penguin Random House editor. She shares how small towns and Beaufort inspire her settings, her no-outline writing process and deadline habits, and how her long-running Design Chic blog and social media helped her early book launches. She explains the Friends and Fiction community started during covid, and updates film/TV work including A Happier Life in development with Amazon and Peachtree Bluff previously sold to NBC. She previews the upcoming fifth Peachtree Bluff book, Falling for Peachtree Bluff, and answers lightning-round questions.02:24 Meet Kristy Woodson Harvey03:28 From Journalism to Fiction05:27 Breaking into Publishing08:46 Surprises and Author Advice12:33 Beaufort and Small Town Magic17:46 Building Worlds and Story Ideas20:31 No Outlines Just Deadlines22:49 Where She Writes Best24:30 Social Media Before Books25:19 Blog Longevity Reflections25:59 Blogging to Book Buzz27:59 Friends and Fiction Origins30:41 Screen Adaptations Update33:23 Exploring New Genres34:39 Summer State of Mind Plot37:04 Aunt Tilly Returns37:46 Peachtree Bluff Book Five40:55 Lightning Round Fun44:55 Writing Journey Wisdom

Ryan McEvoy, owner of Jeff’s Bagel Run locations in Wake Forest and Rolesville (with a Raleigh shop opening near Glen Lake), shares how his experience helping build the uBreakiFix franchise led him into the bagel business and helps fund his nonprofit, 127 Haven. He explains 127 Haven’s James 1:27-inspired model in Uganda: rescuing orphaned children from the streets and raising them in permanent family homes with Ugandan parents and legal guardianship rather than operating an orphanage. Ryan recounts how relationships through African Children’s Choir connected him to Lynette, the home’s mother, and shares stories of rescued children now thriving. He discusses navigating local culture, government support, and ways to donate via 127haven.com, noting funds go directly to the family’s monthly needs.00:00 Meet the Bagel Founder02:08 Who is Jeff02:57 From Phone Repairs to Franchises04:21 Why Bagels in Raleigh05:18 Business Skills That Transfer06:21 Favorite Bagel Orders06:55 What Is 127 Haven08:14 Building Families Not Orphanages09:27 Why Uganda and Lynette11:42 A Miracle Before the Trip13:48 Growing the Home Model16:17 Navigating Red Tape Abroad17:28 Staying Humble and Safe18:54 Why Uganda Matters19:50 Making a Difference Starts Small21:22 Ways to Get Involved22:04 Gladys and the First Kids24:41 Rethinking Orphanages as Family28:25 Legacy and Ripple Effect30:24 What's Next for Jeff's Bagel Run31:36 How to Support 127 Haven33:51 Closing Thanks and Bagel Banter